Jharsuguda: Golden Jubilee Celebration was being celebrated by the Odisha Forest Development Corporation Ltd. at a Conference Hall of Hotel Lingraj at 11.30 P.M. In this Ceremony the Chief Guest of the function was Mr. O.P. Singh, General Manager of Odisha Forest Corporation Ltd. Sambalpur , where the Chief Speaker was Mr. N.K. Rout, DFO Jharsuguda(Kenduleaf) along with Mr. A.K. Behera , DFO Sundergarh and Divisional Manager of Jharsuguda Secal Division Mr. B.C. Mohapatra.
In this function Mr. O.P. Singh told that in the year 1962 this corporation was formed and till now during theses 50 years we have done various important works to protect our environment and the forest. Our main was and is to protect our forest reserves and the environment.
Mr. A.K. Behera told that one of the main aim and agenda is to protect our Forest. We along with the corporation and forest department should create awareness among the peoples that they should not cut trees and to stop the illegal cutting of trees too.
Mr. N.K. Rout said that, In 2011 Kenduleaf had generated 470 Cr. Of revenue where in Jharsuguda it generated around 12 Cr. of rupees. In Odisha there are around 12,000 workers who are involved in the Kenduleaf business. He added that Kenduleaf is not only used for making Cigarettes but it is also used in medicinal purpose too. In India, Odisha contributes around 16-17% of Kenduleaf business.
Mr. B.C. Mahapatra later presented a report on various activities carried by the departments and also told about the future plans. He told that in Jharsuguda district around 14076 trees have cut down due to industrialization. But to restore this we have been working with MCL where 87876 plants have been planted jointly from 2009 – 2012. He also told that like MCL no other companies have taken such initiative in the district.
